Supreme Court Ruling Allows Immigration Detentions in Los Angeles to Continue – Why This Matters

On September 8, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court made a decision that deeply impacts immigrant communities in the Los Angeles area. In Noem v. Perdomo, the Court granted a stay of a lower court’s injunction, which means that—for now—the government can continue detaining people under practices that many argue rely on racial profiling.

Immigration officers in Los Angeles have been stopping individuals based on their race or ethnicity, whether they speak Spanish or English, where they are found—such as car washes, bus stops, or parks—and even the type of work they appear to do, such as construction, landscaping, or agriculture. During these stops, people are often asked to prove their immigration status. If they can show they are U.S. citizens or have lawful status, they are released. If not, they may be detained and placed into removal proceedings.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, concurring with the decision, emphasized that high levels of immigration enforcement are necessary in Los Angeles, pointing to the types of jobs and locations where immigrants often gather. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, however, issued a powerful dissent. She described raids where armed and masked agents seized people from car washes, tow yards, farms, and even churches—often without asking questions first. She warned that these practices intimidate entire communities and risk violating the Fourth Amendment’s protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. Her dissent makes clear the human impact: “The Government, and now the concurrence, has all but declared that all Latinos, U.S. citizens or not, who work low wage jobs are fair game to be seized at any time… We should not have to live in a country where the Government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low wage job.”

This decision does not end the case—it only means the challenged practices can continue while the litigation proceeds. Still, the ruling has immediate consequences. Many community members may feel unsafe going to work, the store, or even places of worship. Families may live in fear of being separated. Even U.S. citizens and lawful residents may be targeted based on appearance or language.

At Joseph & Hall, we believe in protecting the dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of immigration status. Justice Sotomayor’s dissent reminds us that the fight for constitutional protections continues—and that communities should not be treated with suspicion simply for who they are or the work they do. If you or someone you know has concerns about immigration enforcement, please reach out. Our team is here to listen, support, and guide you through your options.